Stories

Belgium's ex-Health Minister Franck Vandenbroucke will lead a seminar on vaping at the WHO conference in November. He criticizes vaping as dangerous and aims to eliminate it globally. Despite strict tobacco controls in Belgium, smoking rates stagnate at 21%, with new bans on nicotine pouches and disposable vapes creating a thriving black market. Vandenbroucke plans to involve ministers worldwide in the seminar, but the public's role remains unclear. Efforts to reduce smoking without new policies have proven ineffective, with reports of ongoing sales of banned products in Belgium.

Industry representatives say that expanding access to smoke-free products could help South Africa reduce smoking-related deaths as the government finalises new tobacco legislation. However, the high cost of such alternatives remains a major concern. South Africa has over 8.6 million smokers, and smoking causes around 32,000 deaths each year, according to Tobacco Control Data. Companies like Philip Morris International (PMI) argue that smoke-free products such as nicotine pouches could play a crucial role in cutting smoking-related deaths.

Belgium is rapidly tightening its vaping and smoking rules — from banning disposable e-cigarettes in January 2025 to prohibiting outdoor smoking and vaping on terraces from 2027, and removing smoking rooms in bars, airports, and shisha lounges. In this interview, Joanna speaks with Alberto Gómez Hernández, Policy Manager at the World Vapers’ Alliance, about what’s changing, why it’s happening, and whether these measures.

Illicit tobacco trade fuels gang violence in Australia due to high taxes and restrictions. The black market thrives, leading to fire-bombings and criminal activity. Illegal tobacco funds organized crime, human trafficking, and terrorism. The UK risks facing similar issues with rising tobacco duty and planned bans. Prohibition exacerbates the problem by empowering criminal networks and harming local businesses. New Zealand abandoned a smoking ban to prevent black market escalation, focusing instead on education and reduced-risk products, resulting in a significant decrease in smoking rates among young teenagers by 2024. It's crucial for governments to address illicit tobacco trade effectively to prevent violence and criminal activities.

Experts in Nigeria are advocating for adopting Sweden’s harm reduction model to curb smoking. Instead of total eradication, the approach promotes safer alternatives like vaping. They urge the government to implement a national framework with regulation, public education, and data-driven policies to reduce smoking-related diseases.

A recent study suggesting harmful chemicals are released when vape liquids are heated has been criticized for using unrealistic lab tests. Harm reduction experts argue that real-world vaping conditions differ. Research has shown heating propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin may create toxic byproducts, but harm is minimal when vaped as designed. Human studies found no respiratory or eye issues from propylene glycol exposure. After over 15 years of vaping, no serious harm linked to these ingredients has been found. Extreme lab tests may mislead as users would avoid inhaling burnt vapor.

The WHO presented anti-smoking policies for discussion, including a ban on cigarette filters. Despite arguments for its harm reduction, research shows filtered cigarettes lower lung cancer risk compared to unfiltered ones. Opponents claim filters mislead smokers, suggesting a ban without considering consumer beliefs or overall health impacts. Evidence suggests filters may indeed offer some protection. Conflicting views exist within the anti-smoking lobby on tobacco regulation strategies. Ethical concerns and contradictory stances surround the debate, such as the effectiveness of low tar cigarettes and the implications of banning filters. The argument for a ban lacks a clear justification and overlooks potential consequences on smoking-related diseases.

A former WHO director criticizes the agency for neglecting science on tobacco harm reduction, impacting efforts to reduce smoking in the Asia-Pacific. Despite evidence supporting safer alternatives, WHO maintains an anti-harm reduction stance, citing vape and heated tobacco products as harmful. With the Asia-Pacific region having a high smoking rate, advocates push for evidence-driven coalitions to promote harm reduction. Ahead of COP11, calls intensify for WHO to prioritize harm reduction to aid smokers switching from cigarettes. The focus is on the need for factual communication, proportional regulation, and acknowledging vaping's role in reducing harm and helping smokers quit.

Maria Papaioannoy-Duic, founder and spokesperson of Rights for Vapers, speaks with Joanna Junak about the challenges Canadian vapers face in being heard in public health debates. Maria shares how her organization has worked tirelessly to educate consumers on safer nicotine alternatives, fight misinformation, and give a voice to those seeking harm reduction over prohibition.

MP Teresa Kok questioned why there is no tax on vape products in Budget 2026 when taxes on tobacco have increased. She highlighted the growing vape industry in Malaysia and the need for regulations rather than a total ban to avoid black market activity. Kok suggested only allowing 'closed system' vapes for sale, controlled by registered companies. She emphasized that a total ban would not deter vape use but could lead to smuggling. Strict controls were recommended before considering a ban to safeguard industry operators and tax revenue. - In summary, MP Teresa Kok raised concerns about the absence of a vape tax in Budget 2026, advocating for regulation over prohibition to manage the industry effectively.